With a bevy of bigs on the Denver roster, the 6-foot-10 Andersen knows the playing time he gets is precious.

“But I have to be a very smart player as far as when do I jump at shots and when do I block shots,” he said. “Because knowing me, I love to go out and block everything. But I really can’t block everything, so I have to be smart.”

Andersen is competing for playing time with reserves Kosta Koufos and Al Harrington and rookie Kenneth Faried, a first-round draft pick.

The Nuggets and Suns play their rematch tonight in Phoenix before starting the season.

Andersen knows his role on defense can be as valuable as it is on offense.

“Defense, I think that’s our main point (in training camp),” Andersen said. “(Coach) George Karl loves defense. Defense is going to be the key, especially if we want to run. If we can get 30 layups or more, I see us having a high-scoring game and being a big problem for other teams.”

Injury report. Nuggets guard Ty Lawson has a sprained left ankle and is listed as day to day. Nene has a sore right hamstring and also is day to day. Karl said Harrington and newcomer Rudy Fernandez might rest tonight in Phoenix.

Afflalo on the court. Newly signed guard Arron Afflalo participated in his first practice of the season Wednesday.

Karl said Afflalo “looked good defensively and a little rusty offensively.”

Karl said Afflalo’s playing time tonight against the Suns likely will be limited.

But Afflalo is “ready to go,” the coach said. Afflalo didn’t play Tuesday against the Suns in Denver because it was the same day he signed his five-year contract that could be worth $43 million.

Rookie on the rise. Undrafted rookie Julyan Stone has impressed the Denver coaches. Tuesday against the Suns, the 6-7 point guard from Texas-El Paso contributed five points and four assists to the Nuggets’ 127-110 victory. He played 12 minutes.

“I think he has a good chance of making our roster, at least for a period of time,” Karl said of Stone. “For years in this league, everyone wanted and searched for a big point guard. But now with the rule changes (in regard to hand contact), the little quick guard is the ‘in thing.’ But I like him because of his size and his defense.”

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.